Lowering the hammer on a revolver

Revolvers are unique in that their exposed hammers are part of their design. By pulling the hammer back, the firearm becomes much easier to discharge. But lowering the hammer if you decide not to discharge the weapon requires a little practice.

The method of lowering the hammer on a revolver without discharging the firearm is also known as de-cocking a revolver. Doing this should be practiced first on a completely unloaded revolver. In the photo below, you can see this revolver does not have any ammunition in the cylinder.


However, it is always best to act on the four rules...

#1 ALL FIREARMS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
# 2 NEVER POINT THE MUZZLE AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY
# 3 KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
# 4 - BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

A revolver discharges the ammunition in the cylinder when the hammer rapidly moves forward and strikes the recessed pin. Lowering the hammer on a revolver without discharging the ammunition requires a steady hand and a bit of pressure.

Start off by pressing down HARD with your thumb on the hammer. In the photo below, my thumb of my right hand is pressing down on the hammer.


Then, while pressing down HARD on the hammer, use your index finger to press the trigger all the way back.

When you press the trigger, you will feel the hammer release. Do not let your thumb up off the hammer! If you do, the firearm will discharge! Keeping the pressure down on the hammer, gradually move the hammer forward toward the frame of the revolver.


Keep guiding the hammer forward toward the frame of the revolver while keeping downward pressure on the hammer.


Once the hammer has reached the frame of the revolver, you can release pressure on the top of the hammer and on the trigger. The hammer will be at rest against the frame. That's it!


It is a good idea to practice this technique several times with an unloaded revolver. Once you know how your particular revolver "pulls" you can adjust the downward pressure of your thumb on the hammer as it moves forward toward the frame.

This technique is another reason why pulling the hammer back on a revolver can be problematic. But, with practice, it soon becomes second nature.

And again, and as always, remember the four rules.

-end-